It is extremely alarming to hear that frontline NHS staff are experiencing “moral distress” due to insufficient time allocated for patient care (Most NHS staff say they don’t have enough time to spend with patients, 24 July). This situation paints a concerning picture for individuals with learning disabilities, who often require additional time for appointments and already face challenges in accessing basic healthcare.
At our helpline, we frequently receive calls from families who are deeply worried about the quality of care their loved one is receiving and feel the need to act as advocates. We hear distressing accounts of individuals being left in incontinence pads instead of being assisted to use the restroom, or having their medication and care plans changed without a clear explanation. We are aware that individuals on specialized diets have been fed the incorrect food, resulting in tragic consequences that could have been prevented if more time had been dedicated to reading their hospital records.
This kind of treatment is degrading and can have long-lasting effects on individuals even after their hospital stay, undoing years of progress in acquiring essential life skills for independent living.
It is imperative that all appointments for individuals with learning disabilities incorporate reasonable adjustments that are tailored to their specific needs and focus on person-centered care. Furthermore, it is important to note that this is not just a matter of ethical concern; it is a legal right.
Although the new NHS workforce strategy includes positive changes for patients with learning disabilities, such as an increase in the number of learning disability nurses and the development of training programs for health and care professionals to effectively treat individuals with learning disabilities in all areas of medicine, it will take years before these changes have a significant impact on people’s lives. Additionally, it will not address the underlying issue of NHS staff feeling overwhelmed and lacking time.
Dan Scorer
Head of Policy, Public Affairs, Information and Advice, Mencap
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